SDC and PKSF Empower Micro-Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s Vegetable Subsector
A Partnership for Change:
Society Development Committee (SDC) has joined forces with Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) to revolutionize the lives of microentrepreneurs involved in the vegetable subsector under the Sustainable Enterprise Program (SEP) in Bangladesh. This partnership aims to provide vital support to farmers, enabling them to:
- Cultivate high-value vegetables: Respond to market demand and cultivate premium vegetables, ensuring access to higher prices.
- Embrace sustainable practices: Implement environmentally friendly production methods to cultivate safe vegetables for consumers.
- Motivate for long-term success: Foster a culture of safe and sustainable vegetable production, contributing to the overall development of the sector.
DevMaker Consulting: Building the Foundation:
DevMaker Consulting conducted a comprehensive baseline survey to capture a snapshot of the current business, economic, environmental, and climatic conditions. This survey serves two key purposes:
- Evaluation: Assessing the impact of the project interventions by evaluating changes observed after the project period.
- Monitoring: Establishing a baseline for a range of variables, including sales, profit, employment, asset creation, environmental impact, and health and safety, allows for effective monitoring and evaluation of project progress.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
The survey gathered data from a representative sample of 306 respondents out of the 800 entrepreneurs and beneficiaries involved in the project. This valuable information sheds light on:
- Current production processes: Understanding existing practices employed by farmers.
- Access to inputs: Evaluating the availability, affordability, and utilization of essential agricultural inputs.
- Extension services: Assessing the effectiveness of existing support systems in improving farmers’ practices.
- Ancillary services: Determining the availability and accessibility of crucial services like market information, financing, and post-harvest handling facilities.
Empowering for a Sustainable Future:
The insights gleaned from the baseline survey will be instrumental in:
- Tailoring interventions: Designing targeted support programs and training initiatives based on the specific needs and challenges identified among farmers.
- Measuring success: Establishing quantifiable indicators to track project progress and assess its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
- Informing future strategies: Providing valuable data to guide future efforts aimed at enhancing the sustainability and profitability of vegetable production in Bangladesh.
This collaboration between SDC and PKSF, with the support of DevMaker Consulting, represents a significant step towards empowering micro-entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable vegetable production practices in the region. By leveraging the valuable data obtained from the baseline survey, this initiative has the potential to contribute significantly to the overall development of the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Bangladesh.